The Newton Public Library is removing its Iowa Workforce Development kiosk.

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The kiosks, now more than 900 across the state, were added in libraries and other places two years ago after IWD closed more than 50 unemployment offices around the state.

Newton Public Library Director Sue Padilla said it's time to pull the plug on the kiosk in her library.

"It doesn't work so we were being more of a dis-service to our users rather than a service to the public," said Padilla. "It got to the point where that software wasn't really working. We informed Iowa Works and we got really no response."

Padilla said ineffective software and a lack of help and training from IWD forced her to make the decision.

"We weren't even given a manual. It was this is it, here it is," said Padilla.

"It's absolutely their choice to do that. There is no requirement for anyone to serve as an access point," said IWD spokeswoman Kerry Koonce.

Koonce said the kiosks allow people to seek help nearly any time of the day by just logging on, but Padilla said it doesn't help people who aren't computer literate and need help from someone in person.

"I'm not sure what they meant by ineffective because 75 percent of the unemployment claims that are filed in the state are already filed online. So that isn't any kind of a different service," said Koonce.

Padilla listed specific problems with the software like she said the live chat doesn't always work and phone numbers listed don't take messages anymore. She said she's talked to other libraries who say they have the same problems.

Iowa Workforce Development said it disputes the problems. It said new libraries are still signing up to be access points and so far 965 kiosks have been setup.